doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Proof marks and help with gun ID.

Have an interesting piece in for some work.

Basically its a 28 gauge single barrel percussion gun.

However the gun has been scaled down for a boy its possible it was made this way but i think actually the parts of an earlier flintlock gun were used. The barrel shows signs of a touch hole being plugged and was then probably re breached when it was redesigned and restocked for a boy to ignite of the percussion system. In its current configuration the gun is about 35 inches long with a 22 inch barrel and ~ 13 inch stock.

There are some marks on the gun but i cannot recognize them side on it could possibly be a V with a crown but its so unclear i cant convince myself.

On the side of the barrel is stamped lettering which looks like "PALP" or "BALP" the letter preceding the first B or P is possibly an M as there is a feint impression.

If anyone can make any sense of it i would appreciate help!

I had a 28ga percussion single made in Spain, imported by Dixie Gun Works. Looks kind of like what you pictured. Gave it to one of my boys. Check for Spanish proof marks...Geo

Could it be MP & LP? Very hard to decipher.

Not convinced geo! No Spanish proofs and the gun is an antique, I have etched the barrel lightly today and it is twist/ Damascus. Nothing about the work or design or condition says its of modern build the whole gun was coated in thick black laquer which has preserved the metalwork in remarkable condition,

May remain a mystery

That heart, I think is a makers mark.
I recall reading something about that on a muzzle loading forum.
It may have even been a .54 rifle barrel in a previous life.
Sorry I can't help more.
O.M

Still nothing found, had a go with some oil and wire wool at what looked like a crown but it disappeared with the rust.

I removed the iron but plate under which is a penciled inscription the writing is very cursive and difficult to decipher but could say any of the following

"Wm lelfen Hedley"
"For lelfen Hedley"

Or possibly stedley instead of Hedley

Very difficult to know.

Things are looking clearer.

Wm (sic) lelfen

Hedley hall / stedley hall

No further info, lock work is void of any marks.